Estes Park Opinion

United Way loses one of its own

Posted:
10/28/2012 10:00:19 AM MDT

Earlier this month, United Way of Larimer County lost a man who was important to all of us. Dr. Guillermo Obando passed away on Thursday, Oct. 4. He was 76.

Guillermo's wife Anita has worked at United Way for the past six years, and Guillermo quickly became part of the United Way family. Death naturally inspires reflection, and as we have grieved the loss of Guillermo his legacy has become resoundingly clear. Guillermo touched the lives of everyone he met, and inspired all of us to be better people. It sounds cliché, but Guillermo truly was someone who made you actively think about how you could contribute more to the world.

Memories of Guillermo are filled with stories of a kind, lovable man who was sincere and generous. My coworkers describe him as a man who accepted everyone, and could love you no matter who you were, where you came from or how your path managed to cross with his. One coworker shared how, upon meeting Guillermo, he greeted her not only with kindness and open arms, but also went out of his way to make her feel like she was part of the family.

His effect on people was not limited to adults, or even just to humans. Guillermo was an avid animal lover, and was amazing around children. Both animals and children could sense his warmth, kindness and authenticity without the need for words or verbal communication. More than one United Way mom expressed how their babies would light up around him, even when those same babies wouldn't warm to many others.

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In retirement, he volunteered for many causes that were important to him. He volunteered at Poudre Valley Hospital, Larimer County Health Department, Animal House, Front Range Exceptional Equestrians, and the library. He also served as an usher at his church.

I am a big fan of the philosophy behind the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," written by Stephen Covey. If you're familiar with the book or the lessons contained within, you know that Dr. Covey stresses the importance of living your life on purpose and based on principles that matter most to you. He urges readers to consider what type of legacy they want to leave behind and strive to live that legacy every day of their lives. Guillermo was the shining example of exactly that.

Even as I write this, I struggle, because I feel it's impossible to do this man justice. But I also know what is possible, and that's to share how he inspired me, and hopefully share enough to inspire you to reach out and think about your own legacy.

Our lives are enriched for having known Guillermo. He provided something for us to aspire to. As one friend shared, the world is a tiny bit dimmer without the light he brought to it. But I think we're all a bit brighter for having known him.

I hope Guillermo's story inspires you in some way, as it has inspired all of us here at United Way. I hope his legacy encourages others to give back, act selflessly, hug more and judge less.

Estes Park United officially closed today. With his love for children, I'm confident Guillermo would be passionate about this campaign to help Estes Park kids. And that makes me even more proud to be a part of it. For those of you who supported this year's campaign, thank you. For me, this one is not just for Estes Park kids and youth; it's also for Guillermo.

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